The Santa Barbara Independent

If Deltopia Is Play Hard, TechTopia Is Work Hard

Science & Tech By Ella Heydenfeldt

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce gathers business leaders, researchers, and global tech firms at the newly opened OASIS innovation hub in Goleta to highlight the region’s expanding science and technology footprint.

Ashlee Buzzard Appears in Lompoc Court on Murder Charge After Two No-Shows

Courts & Crime By Christina McDermott

The defense is challenging a search warrant in the case of the Vandenberg Village woman accused of murdering her 9-year-old daughter.

Goleta Takes Small Step Toward Expanding Its Borders to Include Outskirts of Town Where Thousands of Homes Are Planned

Politics By Jean Yamamura

City Council votes to apply for Sphere of Influence over Glen Annie Golf Course and South Patterson tracts, which the county recently rezoned as residential.

Police Evacuate UC Santa Barbara’s Henley Hall over ‘Criminal Threat’

Public Safety By Christina McDermott

Authorities ask people to avoid the outdoor area near Henley Hall and nearby parking lots.

Alameda Padre Serra to Close During March and April in Santa Barbara

Transportation By Jean Yamamura

The city will replace water mains along the main roadway across the Riviera.

Dos Pueblos Mock Trial Claims Fifth Straight Santa Barbara County Championship

Education By Emily Vesper

After winning the County Championship, the team will advance to compete at the State Finals in Oakland.

Uncorking the Heat in Buellton

Food By Tiana Molony

The Buellton Wine and Chili Festival returned with bold flavors, flowing pours, and plenty of heat under the Central Coast sun.

Santa Barbara Stargazing Tour

Sat, Mar 28 7:15 PM

Santa Barbara

The Winemaker’s Table: An Evening of Rideau Reds

Sat, Apr 18 5:30 PM

Solvang

The 78th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show 2026

Fri, Mar 20 9:00 AM

Santa Barbara

The Framers & False Puppet with DJ Ringworm Radio

Fri, Mar 20 8:00 PM

Santa Barbara

Film Screening for World Down Syndrome Day!

Sat, Mar 21 11:00 AM

Santa Barbara

The Rack Grand Opening Party

Sat, Mar 21 12:00 PM

Santa Barbara

Live It Up Free Benefit Concert at Libbey Bowl

Sat, Mar 21 2:00 PM

Ojai

InterAct Annual Showcase- ‘In Your Dreams’

Sat, Mar 21 All day

Santa Barbara

Solstice Santa Barbara EQuINOX WEEKEND

Sat, Mar 21 7:00 PM

Santa Barbara

Art Workshop – Origami Garlands

Sun, Mar 22 2:00 PM

Solvang

History and Joy of Blues Music: Live Presentation

Sun, Mar 22 3:30 PM

Santa Barbara

multimedia Stories

Agents of Chaos: Border Patrol’s Year of Unchecked Force

Border Patrol agents have been roving from city to city over the last 15 months, far from their home bases

Emergency Podcast: The Trump Regime’s Shock Move to Ram Offshore Oil through S.B., and State’s 11th-Hour Bid to Stop It

Video

In a special ‘Newsmakers TV’ episode, ‘Independent’ columnist Nick Welsh reprises his exclusive reporting about the fast-moving Sable Oil story, as California faces off with Trump amid war with Iran.

Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Profiles Santa Barbara’s Hannah-Beth Jackson

Video

In her interview, Jackson describes her decades-long ambition to pass equal pay legislation and how Oscar-award winning Patricia Arquette “lit the match” under her efforts as a California state senator.

Goleta Punk Show Raises Money for Undocumented Families

Video

Desmadre Media hosted the event, which took place at Foundation Press in Old Town Goleta on February 28.

Shaping S.B. Response to Regime’s Deportation Raids: ‘Fear by Design: ICE Tactics, Impact, and What We Can Do About It”

Video

Next Monday, a special public forum convenes amid ongoing attacks by Trump’s masked paramilitary agents on local neighborhoods, families and those bearing witness, presented by Dem Women of S.B.

UCSB Arts & Lectures ‘Air Time’ | Tiler Peck: Curating the Jerome Robbins Festival

Audio

A conversation with Charles Donelan.

UCSB Arts & Lectures ‘Air Time’: Jon Cleary of Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen

Audio

A conversation with Charles Donelan.

Waves Crash over Santa Barbara Breakwater

Photo

Photographer Dave Everett captured the tall waves at the Santa Barbara Harbor Breakwater on the morning of February 17, as the surf and tides reach a peak with the new moon cycle. “Those who dared to take on the breakwater this morning … got wet,” Everett said.

One Last Look at the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Photo

A photo recap of the 41st edition of SBIFF.

Bill Brown Chides ICE for “Excesses” – But Says Sheriff Must Stay “Neutral” Amid Anti-Immigrant Crusade

In an exclusive interview, Santa Barbara County’s top lawman expresses “empathy” for communities under federal siege, but insists his deputies cannot serve as watchdogs to protect protesters.

Arts & Entertainment

Art Meets Poetry in Linda Saccoccio’s Stunning New Limited-Edition Book

Poetry By David Starkey

Dialogue between paintings and poets sparked collaboration.

Quilt as Verb, Noun, and Concept

Visual Arts By Josef Woodard

World Premiere Musical ‘Somebody to Love’ Is Already a Hit

Theater By Maggie Yates

Serious Music of Other Colors

Music By Josef Woodard

Dancing on the Brink in the Middle of Nowhere

Film By Josef Woodard

More Arts & Entertainment

Food & Drink

After the Star: Sushi by Scratch Defines Its Next Chapter

Food By Ella Heydenfeldt

Still listed in the “Michelin Guide,” Sushi by Scratch is defined through its unique flavors, seasonal shifts, and a menu shaped by both international markets and local farms.